NATIONAL OPERATIC & DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION
LONG SERVICE AWARDS

The following awards are available:

  • Ten year badge
  • Fifteen year badge
  • Twenty year badge
  • The Long Service Medal, on blue ribbon, for twenty-five years of service. A Certificate is also available (but not separately) at an extra charge.
  • Silver bars, worn on the ribbon on the above Medal, each one signifying a further five years of service (i.e. 30,35,40 and 45 years).
  • A fifth bar, in gold, worn with the above medal on a replacement maroon ribbon, signifying fifty years of service. (Silver bars should not be worn as well). A complementary Certificate is also issued, but separately.
  • Finally, a sixth bar, in gold, with diamond inset, signifying sixty years of service

These badges, medals and bars are awarded for active service given to the Amateur theatre. The Awards are intended for those whose services are essential/indispensable to putting on shows. "Occasional" service, e.g., just for the show week itself, does not qualify and generalised description of duties such as backstage, f.o.h., programme, tickets, committee, officer or helper is insufficient. The grant of Life membership of a Society is NOT a qualification for a NODA Award, nor any status which can be achieved by merely paying a subscription - such as 'Patron', 'Associate' or 'Hon. Member'. Receipt of any remuneration - but not a refund of actual accountable expenses - disqualifies, and for this purpose remuneration includes gifts above a nominal value: payment for services to the amateur theatre other than to the sponsoring societies however does not preclude a person from being given an Award. Any activity before the age of eleven does NOT qualify for consideration for NODA Medals. However, a Junior Award Certificate is now available. Please see separate form.

These application forms have to be checked against official records and authorised by the appropriate NODA official. Please, therefore, allow at least six weeks before the presentation date.

The latest charges for badges, medals, certificates and bars are detailed in NODA National News. If in doubt, please telephone the Association's Headquarters on 0870 770 2480 between 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday. The correct remittance must accompany each Application Form. If an Award is not granted the remittance will be refunded.

Second-hand Awards: If a badge, medal or bar is no longer required by its holder, a transfer to another eligible person is permissible but the exchange should be registered with NODA as if a New Award were being issued. Complete the form but write "Award already held" where appropriate.

The NODA Commendation Award: Those who do not qualify for one of the above-named Award may be entitled to wear the NODA Commendation Award, especially if they are in receipt of a remuneration or do not serve amateur theatre on a weekly basis. Further details and special application form may be obtained from the Area Councillor.

For the address of your area councillor see your local area magazine or contact NODA Headquarters